Date: April 16, 2024
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated on April 16, 2024, that his administration has no intention of granting the United States access to more military bases beyond the nine sites where American troops can be stationed indefinitely under a 2014 agreement.
Marcos explained that the US military's presence in these bases was a response to China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
The Biden administration has been working to strengthen security alliances in the region to counter China, aligning with the Philippines' efforts to bolster its external defense in the disputed waters.
Last year, Philippine President Marcos raised alarm in China by allowing US military access to two new bases, one near Taiwan and the other close to southern China.
Beijing accused the Philippines of providing staging grounds for American forces, which could threaten Chinese security.
Marcos denied creating more bases or giving access to more bases, but did not elaborate.
He also downplayed concerns that US military presence could provoke Chinese actions in the South China Sea, stating that it was a response to China's aggressive actions, such as using water cannons and lasers to deter Philippine ships from disputed waters.
The text discusses ongoing disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
China has been accused of blocking Filipino fishermen and constructing sea barriers near Scarborough Shoal, which is within the Philippine economic zone.
Under the Marcos administration, the Philippines has responded by allowing journalists to witness Chinese assertive actions.
Marcos emphasized the importance of media exposure to maintain peace and stability in the region and uphold the rules-based international order.
China denies the accusations and blames the Philippines for intruding into Chinese waters and reneging on an agreement to withdraw a Philippine navy ship from the Second Thomas Shoal.
Marcos, the Philippine president, denied knowledge of any deal regarding US defense obligations in the South China Sea.
Last week, Biden reaffirmed the US commitment to defend Pacific allies, including the Philippines, under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.
If Filipino forces are attacked by a foreign power, the treaty could be invoked, according to Defense Secretary Austin.
Marcos considers the deal rescinded if it ever existed.
The Biden administration has been working to strengthen security alliances in the region to counter China, aligning with the Philippines' efforts to bolster its external defense in the disputed waters.
Last year, Philippine President Marcos raised alarm in China by allowing US military access to two new bases, one near Taiwan and the other close to southern China.
Beijing accused the Philippines of providing staging grounds for American forces, which could threaten Chinese security.
Marcos denied creating more bases or giving access to more bases, but did not elaborate.
He also downplayed concerns that US military presence could provoke Chinese actions in the South China Sea, stating that it was a response to China's aggressive actions, such as using water cannons and lasers to deter Philippine ships from disputed waters.
The text discusses ongoing disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
China has been accused of blocking Filipino fishermen and constructing sea barriers near Scarborough Shoal, which is within the Philippine economic zone.
Under the Marcos administration, the Philippines has responded by allowing journalists to witness Chinese assertive actions.
Marcos emphasized the importance of media exposure to maintain peace and stability in the region and uphold the rules-based international order.
China denies the accusations and blames the Philippines for intruding into Chinese waters and reneging on an agreement to withdraw a Philippine navy ship from the Second Thomas Shoal.
Marcos, the Philippine president, denied knowledge of any deal regarding US defense obligations in the South China Sea.
Last week, Biden reaffirmed the US commitment to defend Pacific allies, including the Philippines, under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.
If Filipino forces are attacked by a foreign power, the treaty could be invoked, according to Defense Secretary Austin.
Marcos considers the deal rescinded if it ever existed.
Translation:
Translated by AI
